Sr. Chaplain Les Palmer’s Celebration of Life:

On Thursday, April 26th, several members of the IFOC Board of Directors had the distinguished honor of attending the final celebration of Sr. Chaplain Lt. Col. Les Palmer. Sr. Chaplain Palmer was given a Fire Fighters Last Alarm tribute to his home church Calvary of Albuquerque. His remains were transported in a special Fire Truck used specifically for Fire Fighters and their family members last ride to their final resting place.

His wife Sr. Chaplain Debbie Palmer and children had the privilege of riding along with him for this, his last ride. The procession snaked through Albuquerque from the far west side fire house #27 to the church escorted by Albuquerque’s Fire Department Chaplains, members of the Albuquerque Police Chaplains Corps and four IFOC Board members.

The procession wound its way through Albuquerque with a full police escort, lights and sirens all the way. Upon arrival at the church, an honor guard consisting of uniformed Chaplains from the Albuquerque Regional Community Chaplain Corps met the procession. The honor guard consisted of two columns of Chaplains from the parking lot to the church entry. The procession was led into the church by two bagpipers.

At the front of the sanctuary was a very elaborate pictorial depiction of Sr. Chaplain Palmer’s life, his many certifications including his IFOC credentials. The eulogies spoke of a very godly man, who’s life focused around Jesus Christ, and how he gave his everything to the help of others. The sanctuary was packed with family, friends, Chaplains and members of the community.

Sr. Chaplain Palmer was truly a humble towel-bearing servant of God, who loved helping others. He was a Chaplain’s Chaplain who never would take tribute for all he has accomplished. He was always passing off the glory to God, and to the fine work of the members of his Chaplain Corps.

After the service, the family of Calvary Church, where he served as a staff pastor, held a celebration meal. At the meal, they had several mounted photos of Les that everyone was able to write a tribute on. In reading some of the many tributes, they all spoke of a man who changed lives, and mentored many in their walk with the Lord.

Although Sr. Chaplain Palmer has gone home to be with God, his legacy will live on forever in the many hearts he has touched along the way. He will be greatly missed by all, but through all of his Corps, his work will continue on. Rest in peace dear, dear friend, and we will see you again one day.

MEMORIAL SERVICES SCHEDULED FOR SENIOR CHAPLAIN LES PALMER

A Great leader and servant has left us a legacy.

Chaplain Les, one of our lead Master trainers, served on the IFOC Board of Directors  as well as on his church staff as a pastor and was the Corps Commander in Albuquerque. He was instrumental in training and directing a large number of Chaplains to operate and serve in the community reaching out to many, and eventually stretched out to serve several other parts of the state, nation and world.

After working as a disaster Chaplain world wide, and serving with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Teams, He was instrumental in establishing an IFOC disaster on-call corps nationwide.

Chaplain Les has left us a great legacy, and we will tremendously miss him.

Please pray for his family and those who served with him.

A Memorial Service for Pastor Chaplain Les Palmer will be conducted in the Sanctuary of:

Calvary of Albuquerque
4001 Osuna Rd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505.344.0880

Thursday April 26th 2012, 10:00am

Following the Memorial Service, we will continue to celebrate Les’ life in the HUB with a reception.

His family has requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in the name of International Fellowship of Chaplains, (IFOC), or Albuquerque Regional Community Chaplains Corps, (ARCCC).